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PLEASE make sure you read the FAQ (linked at the menu at the top of this page), as most questions are already answered there.
Please note I periodically have to archive posts from this page to attempt to keep the performance acceptable. That means comments over about 3 months old could be deleted at any time.
April 13, 2017 at 08:01
Hello Brit and all,
Is it possible to postpone your first entry on US soil to a date after expiration of your medical?
If yes, how? I’m assuming I’d probably have to do another medical.
Please enlighten me on the issue, thank you!
Elie
April 13, 2017 at 13:34
The visas are issued with an expiry date set as 6 months after the medical. The visas are almost never re-issued to extend that time except in circumstances where the selectee has no control – and the reason is due to the embassy or something.
April 14, 2017 at 03:15
Got it, thanks!
April 13, 2017 at 05:37
Hi Mr Simon
Do the embassy or KCC find out truth in information you give them about your host?
April 13, 2017 at 13:35
They can check, yes. But this isn’t a problem if you tell the truth in the first place!!
April 13, 2017 at 02:54
When I was selected in DV lottery I was already living in USA and I was in a migration process and I consulted several lawyers to know if I could make the change of status and they all told me that I should go back to my country and do it from there. And this lawyer was who did my previous procedure but the truth, does not have much knowledge like the others on DV lottery. A long time ago I wrote you to thank you since your information has been more useful than what we have achieved with lawyers. You are right, you know more information about this than they do. Every day I say: thanks God for find you in my way!!!
April 13, 2017 at 02:31
Yes you are riight! My lawyer have all
My documents and he insist that we have to wait that our number be current and he called to kcc to be sure about when send the AOS and they said we have to be current ??. I will talk to him and pressure him to send the AOS as soon as possible. Thank you very much
April 13, 2017 at 02:39
Why are you using a lawyer (especially one that doesn’t know what he/she is doing)?
April 13, 2017 at 02:41
Give your lawyer this link and tell him to pay me for educating him.
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2013/August/DV-Related%20I-485%20Applications%20.pdf
April 13, 2017 at 01:11
Hi Britt I’m searching visa bulletin and appears current for may and June, is that ok? Or could have chances in the next Days? That’s means I can apply for AOS right now or need still waiting? SA11xx. Thank you
April 13, 2017 at 01:51
I already told you (a month ago) that you could submit your AOS documents right then. So you just wasted a month. Are you going to do it now or waste some more time.
April 12, 2017 at 23:14
Dear Simon,
I have applied for DV2018 ( I applied in 2016 and apparently it is for 2018).
I want to change my country name I had inserted mistakenly. I emailed KKC and their reply is as under:-
‘ If you are selected for further processing in the DV-2018 program, you will have an opportunity to correct errors when the application period opens in May, 2017.’
I want to know how will I come to know that I am selected for further processing and when.
Thank you so much for all your good helps.
April 13, 2017 at 01:54
You already asked this and I already answered!!!
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-89/#comment-65621
April 13, 2017 at 04:05
Sorry for the inconvenience. I had submitted my request earlier but error came up that it wasnt submitted. Thats why I resent it .
So IF I win, the result of winning will be emailed to me ?
Thank you so much once again
April 13, 2017 at 13:37
NO! Like the INSTRUCTIONS clearly stated – you can check your selection status after the announcement in May.
April 12, 2017 at 20:38
Hi brit,
can I fill some information of beneficiary (mine) information on I-134 AoS form and send to the sponsor? Could it be a problem?
April 13, 2017 at 02:24
THat’s OK
April 12, 2017 at 19:49
My wife who is the principal applicant, family of four attended medicals last week and she was informed she need to do a sputum test. Three medicals were completed successfully. Now her interview is on 25th May, but she was cautioned by the medical doctor IOM (Nairobi) that she must reschedule her interview. She will be denied Visa if she attends without medical results.
She emailed Nairobi embassy and they are yet to respond.
Personally I thought that we could attend as scheduled and we are put on A. P awaiting medical results which will be ready first week of june.
We are almost towards the end of the fiscal year, and I think rescheduling might be tricky. Infact rescheduling menu is disabled in her profile at https://ais.usvisa-info.com .Brits please advice,
April 13, 2017 at 02:26
IOM are wrong – you are correct.
April 12, 2017 at 17:43
Hi,
Is there a difference between the NVC and KCC? And what roles do they have in DS-260 processing?
Many thanks in advance.
April 13, 2017 at 02:29
KCC process DV cases. NVC process non DV cases.
April 12, 2017 at 16:08
Hi Simon,
Am here in USA with my family and am pregnant we are planning to go back to finalize everything in my home country the question is how to ask the embassy to get a visa for the baby and come back here to USA. Am afraid they will ask me why I came back?! Moreover is this the right way to go to the embassy and request for the visa or there is another procedure..
You answered me upon arrival the baby would receive the green card but my question is from my home country UAE how upon departure pass the passport check they would request the visa right?! Because if I will have problems I might come in 2 months and deliver here in USA and avoid the problems.
Please help me what to do am confused..
April 13, 2017 at 02:32
You need to relax. This is not a problem. You can speak to the airline – sometimes they understand the process, sometimes not. If they don’t, you can get a travel authorization from the US embassy. Relax. Have your baby and everything will be fine.
April 12, 2017 at 14:11
Hi Simon,
Can information someone entered in the DV lottery in 2013 for example, affect the outcome of his visa interview in 2017?
Thanks
April 12, 2017 at 14:27
Not ion normal circumstances, no
April 12, 2017 at 14:09
Hi Britt current apply to AOS too? Because I’m waiting for my current number SA201711xx and my lawyer says to me that we have to wait until my case number be current and hi keeps all
My documents. I got all documents ready including photos and medical exams.
April 13, 2017 at 02:36
Your lawyer doesn’t know anything about the DV lottery process. I don’t know how much you are paying him, but it is a waste of money.
April 12, 2017 at 14:04
Enter your comment here…Hi
April 12, 2017 at 14:02
Thanks you’re correct, I did read but questioned because of other comments. Little nervous that’s all.
April 12, 2017 at 13:10
Hi Brit, thanks for your immense support to dv winners through this forum.
1) I’ll like to know if the court and police record applies to every one even if I’ve never been convicted.
2) if yes, how and were can it be obtained. I’m from Cameroon
April 12, 2017 at 13:12
1. Police certs yes – court records if there was a court case.
2. Amazingly, there is a page of instructions for every country – the reciprocity page. So read the instructions that you were given in the 1NL and that will lead you to the reciprocity page.
April 12, 2017 at 11:37
Dear Simeon,
Mukula and I won the diversity visa along with my husband for the 2016-2017 lottery. Because of a mis understanding between us, he did all the paperwork secretly and obtain visa leaving me out of the process. He left the house informing me that he was going for a three days workshop.
April 12, 2017 at 12:55
Because of a misunderstanding he got a Green Card and left the country without you???> Wow that is some misunderstanding!!!
April 12, 2017 at 13:01
Please what can I do when I don’t have any of the paper work?
April 12, 2017 at 13:14
Do??? What do you mean – your husband was the winner – not you – right? Talk to your husband.
April 12, 2017 at 10:40
Hello Simon
I went to the interview today and Co told me my visa is approved . I’m really happy . I have one question . I’m planing to get married in June . Will it be a problem for my visa . Can my partner apply as dependent once I get my green card . My partner is British .
April 12, 2017 at 12:32
Yes – but it will take around 2 years.
April 12, 2017 at 13:07
So getting married in June will not affect my Visa right
April 12, 2017 at 13:12
Right
April 12, 2017 at 09:54
Hi Brit;
What it means stars or asterisk on visa ?I mean me and one of my daughters have one star ,my wife and the other daughter have two stars
April 12, 2017 at 12:34
I don’t know where you mean.
April 12, 2017 at 14:24
On visa There is one or two asterisks or stars in front of photo’s visa and written like this :
Annotation :*
Annotation :**
April 12, 2017 at 14:27
I don’t know. I’m sure its normal.
April 12, 2017 at 09:50
Hi Simon:
Hope you’re well!
I am from London and am planning an activation trip to US in 1st week of June during school half term break in UK.
I am aware that I will be subject to US tax regulations on my worldwide income earned from the day I enter US.
As a limited company contractor in UK, I have a few options and hence confusion about arranging cash flows in most tax efficient manner (keeping in mind both UK and US regulations).
Do you know or have personally worked with any accountancy firm that specialises in UK/USA tax affairs?
Thanks
Taps
April 12, 2017 at 12:38
This guy has been recommended – based in London.
http://www.americanuktaxsolutions.com/
April 12, 2017 at 22:23
Thanks !
April 12, 2017 at 09:35
Hello Simon i’m Saraswoti Gurung from Nepal 2017AS60XX is my case no. Do you think my 2NL will be come?
April 12, 2017 at 12:40
Don’t post your full number! – I edited it.
Yes – be patient.
April 12, 2017 at 07:06
Hi Simon
Is it the problem if we give the different address to officer at the airport with where we want to live in USA for green card not SSN?
Bcs we don’t have any permanent address right now for green card, after rent the house in USA change it?
Thanks
April 12, 2017 at 07:44
Mr. Simon,
1) Is it mandatory to pay GC fee before departure to US ?
2) May the flight ticket be (departure and return ), or should be one way only to the US.
Thank you very much
April 12, 2017 at 12:46
1. No
2. Either
April 12, 2017 at 12:48
The address they have at the POE is where the SSN and GC will be sent – even if you change it a few days after entry.
April 12, 2017 at 06:41
Hi! Im Waiting FOR My number to appear in Visa Buletin, but nothing for the last 2 mounts. I am from Europe. Do you think I need to wait more? It stopped at 22,100, and U don’t know what to do?
April 12, 2017 at 12:50
EU is CURRENT – meaning any number can be interviewed. Check your ESC page to see if you already have been scheduled. If not, it is probably because you submitted your DS260 late.
April 12, 2017 at 19:38
Can you tell me the link where I can check?
April 12, 2017 at 20:00
Really???
https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/
April 12, 2017 at 23:40
I am so sorry, I though is another site. I am just nervous. Thank you so much!
April 12, 2017 at 01:01
Hello Simon,
Thank you for all, i was in an interview last thursday and the CO approved my visa. But my case status changed from ready to administrative procesing. Is it ok?
April 12, 2017 at 03:34
That is common. Usually it changes to issued within a couple of days.
April 12, 2017 at 00:34
Dear Simon,
I have applied for the DV2018.
But I need to change a part of it.
I emailed KKC and their reply is as follows:-
‘If you are selected for further processing in the DV-2018 program, you will have an opportunity to correct errors when the application period opens in May, 2017.’
The question is how can I come to know that I am selected for further processing? So that I can go back and correct the name of country of applying i.e. by mistake was inserted.
Thanks
April 12, 2017 at 03:36
*If* you win you can change some things. So – wait for the results in May.
If you chose a country incorrectly that is not within the same region, that can cause denial, so *IF* you win – come back and explain what you did.
April 11, 2017 at 23:04
dear mr simon my case number is 345xxx l was
registered 2nl on October but didn’t get appointment for interview
April 12, 2017 at 03:40
Country?
April 11, 2017 at 22:56
hi , simon, i have a question , my sponsor in USA got an extension for 2016 taxes , he had very high income and copy of previous taxes over the last 3 years , w2 forms for this year and previous years , and paystubs over the last few months , letter from the bank and from his job
what proof we need for 2016 tax exemption ?
do you think that will be a significant issue , i am very worried ?
i will really appreciated your answer , THANKS
GARCIA , P
April 12, 2017 at 03:40
Not a big issue. W2 and payslips will show current income.
April 11, 2017 at 22:02
Hi Brit, i have a massive worry. its seems i cants fine my 1nl and im seriously worried….cus im told its needed for the interview
April 12, 2017 at 03:44
It’s not needed. Print your 2NL
April 11, 2017 at 21:41
Hi Simon, I have a question about the period after the visa is issued. My visa interview is in a few weeks so I am hoping to have my visa a few weeks after that. Once the visa is issued and I have my passport back, is there any problem if I want to travel to a third country for a couple of weeks on my way to the United States?
April 12, 2017 at 03:44
No problem.
April 11, 2017 at 19:54
Hi Simon, I’m preparing for my interview. Should I have uploaded a photo on my d-260 form when I first filled it out? Or is that a requirement now before I go to the interview? Please advise I’m a little condfused.
April 12, 2017 at 03:47
No photo for the DS260. You take photos to the interview. READ the INSTRUCTIONS
April 11, 2017 at 18:15
Dear simon ! I am winner AF86** sept 2016 submitted ds260 re-open many time,is wise to re-submit it end of april ?
April 11, 2017 at 18:26
Wise?? I don’t know what you mean by that. If you are asking will it be too late – no it won’t.
April 11, 2017 at 17:12
Hi Simon,
I have just paid USD 220 through my credit card for USCIS Immigrant fee.
I planning to fly to states within 2 weeks
After I reach to states do I have to verify that I paid immigrant fee.
If so then where shall I go and verify it?
April 11, 2017 at 18:25
No you don’t have to verify it.
April 11, 2017 at 14:38
Dear Simon
I’m dv 2017 winner
I had my interview on April 9th , and they told me on the interview that the system is down and he needs to check my leaving date from the US to approve the visa, and told me it takes around 2 weeks. and they kept all the documents I gave to them
when i check the case on the internet it says ready and it says last updated with today’s date
can you please tell me if this is normal or no and how long you think it should take
April 11, 2017 at 14:50
You just have to be patient.
April 11, 2017 at 12:50
I was thinking what is the Affidavit of support,federal Tax return forms and sponser letter
April 11, 2017 at 14:08
britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
April 11, 2017 at 11:22
HI BRIT is it wise to send ds260 on 28 april for someone who won on 2017 dv lottery ?exemple my wife win on 2018 and i won on 2017 is it gona affect my wife if we drop to accomplish on my 2017 and do everything on my 2018 dv lottery?
April 11, 2017 at 14:12
There is no problem with two applications at once. However, NO ONE has won DV2018 yet.
April 11, 2017 at 11:01
hi dear,
i just graduated from the university but am yet to secure a job, but i do volunteering job at a ministry in my country. my question is do i need recommendation from the ministry for the day i will be going for my interview to show that i have some experience or is that not necessary.
April 11, 2017 at 14:13
It would be pointless. You must qualify through education.
April 11, 2017 at 10:09
dear brit..i think this month visa bulletin is delayed( 2 days passes)..when do you think it will be out? CN 35*** from Ethiopia..when do you think my interview will be?? thanks in advance
April 11, 2017 at 14:14
It’s not delayed. This is NORMAL. They publish between the 8th and 15th.
April 11, 2017 at 09:20
Hi brit
I receny registered in ais.usvisa for pick up .during the registration i made a mistake on my first name and surname and filled them vice versa in wrong place. Now i want to edit that but its impossible and the name is blocked and not editable. Whats the solution ?
April 11, 2017 at 14:32
Contact them – ais.usvisa
April 11, 2017 at 09:09
Gm Simon pls am asking that if an applicant qualify for the education and work and fail for one or two medical exam but the diseases are curable are they going to issue the visa for the person or the applicant will be denied. Thanks
April 11, 2017 at 14:33
Only a few diseases cause denial.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
April 11, 2017 at 08:25
Hi Simon,
not process related – just out of interest.
For Ghana: With over 1.5 million entries with a population of 25 million the DV lottery must be some kind of national event each year.
April 11, 2017 at 14:35
It’s a national event for lying cheating agents.
April 11, 2017 at 07:09
Dear mr simon.
Just wanted to know that how does CN for 2nd draw selectees might be. As i read here, 2nd draw selectees are mostly from those limited countries such as Ethiopia and Egypt for AF, am i right? Do their case numbers are higher that the 1st draw CN selectees from same countries? For instance if were selected from Ethiopia during 1st draw with CN AF410***, what would be 2nd selected CNs? above my case number or lower?.
Many thanks
April 11, 2017 at 14:37
2nd draw numbers started from where 1st draw ended.
April 11, 2017 at 04:41
Hi Brit! So we’ve just had our interviews at the us consulate. The person we saw requested copies of our marriage cert and education qualifications. Said once these are sent in they will issue the visas!!! He said to get these in asap as visas run out. I think the earliest we can get them in is within a week. Do you think we will miss out??
April 11, 2017 at 14:39
No.
April 11, 2017 at 04:11
Dear Simon,
Am here in USA with my family and am pregnant we are planning to go back to finalize everything in my home country the question is how to ask the embassy to get a visa for the baby and come back here to USA. Am afraid they will ask me why I came back?! Moreover is this the right way to go to the embassy and request for the visa or there is another procedure…
April 11, 2017 at 14:48
On the first trip back to the USA with the new baby, the child will be processed for a GC at the arrival airport. It’s simoply – nothing to worry about.
April 10, 2017 at 21:42
Hi Brit
Yesterday I got my visa with my family,we are so happy.
Thank you for taking your time to help us ,thank you for thinking to us and your help with answers when we need,you have been supportive and that was very kind of you , thank you for sharing your vision on different DV topic ,your commitment to send us news ….thank you BRIT for being so thoughtful
April 10, 2017 at 21:59
Congratulations!
April 10, 2017 at 20:31
Hi Brit,
I received an email from the KCC confirming my interview time with the Sydney Consulate. A week later, I received an email from the Consulate itself asking me to confirm my attendance (which I did) by no later than 7 April. I did not receive a confirmation email back from the consulate acknowledging my acceptance, nor did I receive an automated emai reply.
I’ve checked multiple times and I did send it to the right email address. I followed up this morning asking if they received my original email, and I received an automated reply, so panic mode has set in. I guess my question is, from your experience and knowledge, do the Consulates generally reply to your confirmation of attendance emails?
Thanks,
Nicole
April 10, 2017 at 21:10
Relax! I’m sure its fine.
April 10, 2017 at 13:21
Hello Dear Simon.
Me and my wife had our Diversity Visa Lottery interview in 22/Feb/2017 in Tbilisi ,Georgia . As Visa Officer informed us , our Visa is approved , but because of I had to get back my country as soon as possible , I sent my and my wife`s passport from Baku to Tbilisi ( TNT express ) on 24/Feb/2017 .The passports arrived on Tbilisi Us Council on 06/March/2017 . 35 days passed , but I didn’t get any update information about my Visa . IS that possible that my Visa will be denied , despite of got approved feedback my visa ? What us your advise and what do you think about possibility approving and deny ?
BR
April 10, 2017 at 13:31
Have you checked CEAC? Contacted the embassy?
April 10, 2017 at 17:08
Hi Mr Simon,
Some airports like Abu Dahbi airport contain US. CBP Office, (US Preclearance
Abu Dhabi International Airport). I read some notes ( the next below instructions )
If you are travelling to the US with a valid visa you must:
1- Abu Dhabi Airport is a purpose-built facility that allows US bound passengers to process all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi before they depart.
2- Complete relevant CBP Customs Declaration form at Abu Dhabi International Airport on the day of departure.
3- guests flying to US destinations must use the CBP facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Please review the US CBP pre clearance requirements before arriving at the airport.
A) Does This mean that the mentioned above will be applied for the passengers ( with immigrant visa ) to USA from Abu Dhabi Airport? ( start flight from egypt airport then transit at Abu Dhabi Airport then go to USA airport )
B) what about the ( immigration sealed envelope ) that must be given to the CBP at USA airport ? The CBP at Abu Dhabi Airport may ask about it ? may take it ?
April 10, 2017 at 17:55
This doesn’t need any thought. If you are on a US bound flight for activation you need your envelope. What difference does it make to you whether they process that in the USA or AD airport?
April 11, 2017 at 09:29
Excuse me Mr. Simon,
I understood from your answer that No Problem if the US CBP & immigration office at Abu Dhabi International Airport asked me and took my sealed immigrant envelope before departure to USA.
because I know that the sealed immigrant envelope must be handed at JFK airport.
yesterday was the first time i know about US preclearance at some airports like Abu Dhabi International Airport, and i am worry and thought to cancel my flight on that airway and change to another.
So please give me clear answer that No PROBLEMS if my sealed immigrant envelope will be taken at Abu Dhabi International Airport and every thing proceeded before departure to JFK airport.
Waiting for your response.
thank you very much.
April 11, 2017 at 14:31
They will process you one time. If you go through AD, you will not be processed again in NY. It makes no difference. Would you RELAX!
April 10, 2017 at 13:11
HI simon
My sponsor get an extension for 2016 taxes , a copy of 2015 taxes , pay stubs and w2 form for 2016 will be enough and proof of 2016 taxes extension , letter from the employer and a letter from the babk should be enough ?
another question please , form I 134 affidavit of support need to notarized ?
do you need trancripst of previous taxes or a copy should be enough ?
April 10, 2017 at 13:33
1. Add photo id to your list
2. No
3. Copy is fine
April 10, 2017 at 10:12
I’m from Liberia my name is fatumata.I submitted my case by December but I haven’t received my n2L at this time.when do u think I will received my n2L?
April 10, 2017 at 13:40
Maybe in the next batch (end of this month) or a month after that.
April 10, 2017 at 04:15
Hi,
My mom won the lottery for DV-2017.
But she made an honest mistake in the original entry form. She did not include the information of my brother which is under 21 (she had thought the age thing is 18 instead of 21). Now in the DS forms she has added my brother’s information. I know their chances of getting approved is almost zero, but they are going ahead with the interview any way (she recieved a letter regarding the interview appointment). So we want to know if there is anything that they can say to the officer to convince them that it was an honest mistake and they were not trying to cheat or anything. anything they can do to increase their chance?
Thanks
April 10, 2017 at 05:26
The chance is not “almost zero”, the chance is ZERO. It is a waste of time and money to proceed. There is NOTHING that will improve the chances, nothing.
April 10, 2017 at 02:36
Dear brit, when do you think next VB will be released??
April 10, 2017 at 02:54
In the next few days.
April 10, 2017 at 03:08
Thank you ^_^
April 9, 2017 at 21:01
Hi mr. Simon
I’m just curious about something .. i’m from Egypt and i’m now doing my military service and i will finish it by February 2018 and my military papers will be ready by March 2018 … in case i won in the lottery this May ( i know it’s almost impossible ? ) what will i do in the interview ?? Because i knew that they need the military papers .. will they reject me for not having this paper ??
Thank you ?
April 9, 2017 at 21:36
*IF* you win, you would be wise to delay your interview until after March 2018 – which is easy to do. Now relax and see if you win.
April 9, 2017 at 22:19
Is it applicable ?? I heard that i should have a very good reason to reschedule my interview .. if i couldn’t what would happen ??
April 10, 2017 at 00:14
You delay by not submitting your DS260 early., But for now – just wait to see if you win.